SCOTTSDALE — Jamie Moyer’s surgically-repaired left elbow continues to respond, leaving him on schedule to start Friday against minor leaguers.
That would keep the 49-year-old on a five-day track. There’s always the possibility more rest could be added if necessary. An extra day is built in for the subsequent game, with Moyer scheduled to follow Jeremy Guthrie on Thursday night against San Francisco. Moyer has been a surprise this spring, working himself into contention for the fifth starter’s job. He came into Rockies’ camp on a minor-league deal seeking to log roughly 25 innings, leaving both Moyer and the team a good idea if his comeback had legs.

“That would allow for a fair assessment,” Moyer said. “For me, it’s all about how I feel the day after I throw, and so far it’s been fine.”

Alex White will now start tomorrow night against the Reds, with Moyer pitching against minor leaguers during the day. Moyer has posted a 1.80 ERA in five innings, and has only thrown his cut-fastball twice.

“Is it a pitch I lean on? No. Is it a pitch I am known for? No. But it can be effective,” Moyer said.

Moyer remains in the mix for the No.5 starter’s job along with Tyler Chatwood — his impressive spring has drawn notice from teammates — White, Josh Outman, Guillermo Moscoso and Esmil Rogers. Chatwood was impressive against the Rangers on Wednesday, a team that battered him last season. The young right-hander, who could also help in a bullpen role given his power arm, owns a 3.86 ERA this spring. He’s not scheduled to start again until Friday against the Cubs.

White is coming off his best outing, featuring a hard slider that helped him escape jams against the Brewers, including a strikeout of reigning NL MVP Ryan Braun.

The left-handed Outman will fill Drew Pomeranz’s spot Sunday at Seattle. Pomeranz (tight right glute) is scheduled to throw on the team’s off day Wednesday against minor leaguers, and believes he has time to get back on a five-day track to be ready for the regular season.

“It continues to feel better. I had no pain playing catch. It just felt workout sore,” Pomeranz said. “I know they have to be safe. I am not concerned at all.”

The Rockies like Moscoso’s versatility. He could pitch in the bullpen if he doesn’t make the rotation. As it stands, Esmil Rogers’ best shot to break camp appears to be as a reliever.

Here’s the tentative pitching schedule, with a picture of the bullpen shaping up. Beyond Rafael Betancourt, Rex Brothers, Matt Belisle and Matt Reynolds, Josh Roenicke clearly is likely to make the team. That leaves several others for two spots, including fifth-starter candidates and Edger Escalona and Zach Putnam:

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.